The 23rd installment in the Pretty Cure franchise, Meitantei Pretty Cure!, has been a massive hit since its debut, captivating audiences with its unique blend of a 1999 throwback setting, detective elements, and standout character designs.
Now, the team is heading to the big screen. On June 21, the official title for the upcoming film was announced: Meitantei Pretty Cure! the Movie: The Mysterious Garden and the Duo's Secret, set to premiere across Japan on September 18, 2026. Not only will the full cast of *Meitantei Pretty Cure!* be featured, but they'll be joined by characters from Idol Pretty Cure You & I and Wonderful Precure! in a dream crossover event that's sure to get fans' hearts racing.
The newly released key visual is set in the dreamlike "Mysterious Garden," showcasing the energetic cast of *Meitantei Pretty Cure!* looking ready to leap off the screen. Eagle-eyed fans will spot characters from the two previous series, *Idol Pretty Cure You & I* and *Wonderful Precure!*, in the top right corner, confirming a major treat for followers of the recent generations.
Meanwhile, the top left of the visual introduces new movie-exclusive characters: Karin, along with the fairies Alan and Rain. They appear to have a deep connection to the "Mysterious Garden" and are central to the new mystery that Anna and her friends will face.
The secrets they hold are poised to be one of the film's biggest reveals.
Three new stills were also released, revealing that the Meitantei Pretty Cure team will be investigating a series of bizarre "Batsu Batsu Incidents." Any object marked with an "X" (batsu) mysteriously stops working, causing major trouble for the residents.
Still 1: Chasing the Mysterious "Dame-Dame"
In the first still, Anna, Kobayashi, and Pouchy are seen in an alleyway, wielding their "Pretty Cure Detective Magnifying Glasses" as they pursue a mysterious entity with an "X" on its hand known as "Dame-Dame." Nearby, Luluca and Fluffy observe the scene. Soon after, a fairy client named Rain appears and makes a request: "I need you to protect Karin from being harmed by Dame-Dame." And so, the team dives into a new case.
Still 2: Arriving at the Dreamlike "Karin's Garden"
Led by Rain, the group arrives at the stunningly beautiful "Karin's Garden." The sight of blooming roses, a shimmering garden, and an ancient castle leaves Cure Puzzle and Cure Mystery in awe, while elemental fairies flutter around to welcome them.
At the same time, Cure Sparkle thoughtfully observes her surroundings, Cure Arcane Shadow looks puzzled, and an excited Pouchy sits atop Component-senpai's head. Here, they meet Karin, the girl who lives in the garden, and her guardian fairy, Alan. However, the peace is shattered when "Dame-Dame" suddenly attacks, plunging the garden into crisis.
What exactly is "Dame-Dame"? And what secrets does this beautiful garden hide?
Still 3: Fairies Cheer on the Pretty Cure with Miracle Lights
The third still captures a classic, heartwarming movie moment: fairies raising their "Miracle Lights" high in the air, cheering on the Pretty Cure with all their might.
It's official: the theatrical giveaway for the movie will be "Pouchy's Miracle Light." This marks the return of the iconic Miracle Light to the film series for the first time in three years, since 2023's *Pretty Cure All Stars F*. As supplies are limited, the lights are planned for distribution to audience members in junior high school and younger, so collectors will want to get to the theater early.
With a brand-new original story, an adventure in a mysterious garden, a three-generation crossover featuring *Idol Pretty Cure You & I* and *Wonderful Precure!*, and the triumphant return of the Miracle Light, this film is shaping up to be one of the most anticipated and ambitious Pretty Cure movie projects in recent years. For fans, this fall's big-screen event is an absolute must-see.
▼ Teaser Trailer for *Meitantei Pretty Cure! the Movie: The Mysterious Garden and the Duo's Secret*